Although lighter in color, the pattern on this one matches one of the forms of Phyllidiella lizae I have on the Marshall Islands site (http://www.underwaterkwaj.com/nudi/porostomes/e396.htm). Seems to be a lot of variation, if they are all indeed one species.

I think I would go with Phyllidiella lizae for these. The one on the right closely matches what I am calling Phyllidiella lizae in the Marshalls at http://www.underwaterkwaj.com/nudi/porostomes/e396.htm.

I hesitate calling this one Phyllidiella pustulosa, partly because of the obviously pink-edged anal opening. The way the middorsal pink pustules are set in circles around black centers resemble Phyllidiella annulata, although it not as distinctly annulated as specimens figured Brunkhorst's 1993 review of the Phyllidiidae. But Phyllidiella lizae might be closer than either of those other possibilities. I think I'd go with Phyllidiella lizae.

Not sure, but I think this may be a form of Phyllidiella lizae. Its simple, rounded pink tubercles, narrow black lines between the dorsal pink areas, and white foot are all characteristic of that species. The rhinophores of Phyllidiella lizae are supposed to be black and pink, and those in the photo do appear to become lighter and a bit pinkish towards the base.

This is a very important photo because it shows mating occurring between 2 different species of Phyllidiella – Phyllidiella rudmani (on top) and Phyllidiella lizae (below). This demonstrates cross-species mating does sometimes occur in phyllidiid nudibranchs. It has also been demonstrated in Chromodorididae (Risbecia spp.) and in Aglajidae bubble snails (Chelidonura spp.).

No matter what else it might have on its mantle in the way of pink pustules and black markings, Phyllidiela pustulosa ALWAYS has a thin black marginal and this individual clearly has no such band, so it definitely has to be Phyllidiela lizae.